Proposal for the irradiation of cladding studies capsules, Series 2
Localized cladding instability or necking has resulted in failures of the Zr-2 cladding of rod cluster and tubular fuel elements and fuel rods in NaK filled capsules. The cause of this non-uniform cladding strain is thought to be a combination of the effects of irradiation and nonuniform cladding thickness. To determine the influence of these two factors and that of temperature on the susceptibility to failure, and to obtain data related to cladding thickness tolerances for the NPR fuel elements an irradiation experiment was designed. This experiment consisted of eighteen capsules each containing three Zr-2 clad uranium rods. Cladding thickness variations of up to 25 percent were introduced in the cladding by machining ``grooves`` longitudinally on the outer surface. The temperatures of the cladding were established by the thickness of the capsule wall. These capsules, charged in DR Reactor in October 1961, were prematurely discharged after five days irradiation because of a rupture. The cause of the rupture was established to be overheating and accelerated corrosion of the Zr-2 capsule body as a result of inadequate coolant to the capsule surface.
- Research Organization:
- General Electric Co., Richland, WA (United States). Hanford Atomic Products Operation
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC06-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 10144608
- Report Number(s):
- HW-73553; ON: DE94010492
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: DN: Declassified; PBD: 3 May 1962
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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